Siege of Milan (1118)

The Siege of Milan was a military conflict that took place in 1118 between the Republic of Venice and the Duchy of Milan.

Background
The Duchy of Milan was a powerful northern Italian state, ruled by Count Cristoforo di Milano, and had powerful connections; they allied with the Holy Roman Empire to consolidate their survival. However, the mercantilist Republic of Venice was also on the rise, having claimed most of the Balkans and the Levant. The Venetian general Benasuto Selvo, in charge of a large army in Venice, was ordered to march on Milan to capture the city. The city was held by a small garrison under Catelano Rossi and Borgognion de Ferraria, and made an easy target.

Siege
In 1118 the siege began with the Venetians setting up positions outside of the city. They ordered engineers to construct ladders with which to besiege Milan, and this took until 1122. When Benasuto's order was complete, he drew up his ladders and placed them against the walls. The Venetians assaulted the city, and the smaller Milanese army was defeated, and the Venetians peacefully occupied the city.